British stand up comedian and actor Sean Lock is the star of a new short film, which launched this week by the housing charity Shelter, to raise awareness of the danger posed by a minority of rogue landlords in the private rented sector.
The film, which also features Green Wing and The Office actors Oliver Chris and Sally Bretton; and Mike Fielding (The Mighty Boosh), depicts a scene where a rogue landlord is showing prospective tenants around a grotty and dangerous property, oblivious to any problems it could pose to them.
It forms part of a wider campaign by the charity highlighting the unscrupulous practices adopted by some rogue landlords who are taking advantage of the rental boom and wreaking havoc on tenant’s lives.
Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: “Despite the amusing script and characters, the fact is that the horrifying conditions shown in the film are a reality for thousands of people in this country.
“We hope people will watch the film and join Shelter’s fight to stop this small group of underhand operators wreaking havoc on people’s lives.
Catherine Tate and Chris Addison join the already incredible bill of comedy greats for April Fools in aid of learning disability charity Mencap.
Hosted by Jo Brand and Miranda Hart the night will see performances from Lee Mack, Harry Hill, Sean Lock, Al Murray, Stewart Francis, Catherine Tate, Chris Addison and Lucy Porter. Taking place at HMV Hammersmith Apollo on 1 April.
Tickets for this unique comic event are selling fast and priced at just £40, from www.ticketmaster.co.uk; all proceeds go to learning disability charity Mencap to support people with a learning disability, their family and carers.
The multi award winning Catherine Tate’s vast acting credits include the BBC series, The Catherine Tate Show, which showcased her chameleon-like talent for character transformation. In addition to playing ‘Donna Noble’ (the Doctor’s companion) in the 4th series of BBC’s Doctor Who, Catherine also co-stars in the feature films: Gulliver’s Travels; Monte Carlo, Mrs Ratcliffe’s Revolution and Starter for Ten.
Chris Addison has made numerous hugely successful TV appearances including stints in The Thick of It and Skins and the satirical movie In The Loop. As well as a career in front of the camera, Chris has written comedy for the screen and perfected his sharp humorous wit to be one of the best stand ups going.
Over the past five years, Latitude’s Comedy Arena has become a comedy festival in its own right. Bursting at the seams with the best comic talent in the land, crowds gather all weekend to witness a variety of hilarious turns from an unrivalled line-up.
Whether they be famous names from the comedy circuit or the latest in cutting-edge humour on the brink of stardom, Latitude’s comedy fest has it all, so find a spot, get good and comfortable and prepare for the funniest three days this summer has to offer.
This year’s festival will include comedy from the likes of Omid Djalili, Jason Byrne,Phill Jupitus, Jon Richardson, Brendon Burns, Greg Davies, Danny Bhoy, Richard Herring, Tom Wrigglesworth, Rob Rouse, Seann Walsh, John Shuttleworth, Roisin Conaty, Doc Brown, Josh Widdicombe, Nick Helm, Idiots Of Ants, Lady Garden and Katherine Ryan.
Omid Djalili is a top comic whose career took off in the late 90’s with his two consecutive stand-up shows ‘Short, Fat Kebab Shop Owner’s Son’ and ‘The Arab and the Jew’ which garnered rave reviews. Djalili’s talents go beyond stand-up and he has appeared in several blockbuster movies including Gladiator, The Mummy and Notting Hill and furthermore was voted 60th in Channel 4’s ‘The 100 Greatest Stand-Ups’. In 2007 Djalili had his own show on BBC1, ‘The Omid Djalili Show’, which returned for a second series. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s had appearances on ‘Have I Got News For You’, ‘Nevermind The Buzzcocks’ and even in the notorious ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’ videogame. His outspoken comic stylings are yours to enjoy at Latitude 2011.
From childhood to his own children, Jason Byrne will escort his trusting audience through a vigorous stream of comedy consciousness, relentlessly assaulting the crowd with his unrivalled comic genius as he relives his wonder years spent nursing his ‘special eye’ and relays the misfortunes of being on holiday, anywhere – with photographic evidence! Byrne’s inspired, original brand of high-energy intelligent lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian like him
and his sell out shows have attracted accolades including Chortle Award for Best Headliner 2007, Perrier Newcomer Award Nomination 1998 and Perrier Award Nomination 2001.
A regular on hit TV show QI and team captain on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Phill Jupitus is one of the nations best loved comics, with an unimaginable knowledge of music and popular culture. He comes to Latitude to delight the Comedy Arena with his fantastically cheeky humour. Topical, daring and always hilarious – Phill Jupitus is simply unmissable.
Winner of the ‘Best Breakthrough Act’ at the 2008 Chortle Awards and nominated for the main ‘Edinburgh Comedy’ Award 2009, Jon Richardson is a true comedic talent. His critically applauded current show ‘Don’t Happy Be Worry’ exemplifies his unique brand of surreal humour but his talents don’t stop there. Having spent 3 years easing Sunday morning hangovers with his
charming, self-effacing on his 6Music show with Russell Howard, he has also recently appeared on; ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’, ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’ and ‘Grumpy Young Men’ as well as recording a pilot for his own BBC Radio 4 show ‘Debatable’.
Controversial Australian comic Brendon Burns and if.comedy award winner is best known for his aggressive stage presence and close to the bone material. Although having brief forays into television (the ‘11 O’Clock Show’ and ‘I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here Now!’) it’s live where he has forged a reputation with six live CDs to his name. His most painfully honest work is a trilogy, Burnsy versus Brendon, which ran at Edinburgh in 2004, 2005 and 2006, examining his own life – culminating in his mental breakdown and drinks and drugs rehabilitation at the Priory. Stark yet hilarious work from a leading comic talent.
The impossibly tall, man of the moment, Greg Davies will be bringing his off-the-wall humour to the Comedy Arena. Most people will know him as one third of comedy troupe We Are Klang and as psychotic head teacher Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners, but with his first solo stand-up show ‘Firing
Cheeseballs At A Dog’ being nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2010 his reputation as a leading stand-up comic is soon to be cemented.
The effortlessly cool demeanour of Scottish comic Danny Bhoy has made him a hit on the comedy circuit. Hot off Bhoy’s spectacular British TV debut in ‘Live At The Apollo’ the well-travelled comedian is heading to Latitude. Up until now British audiences have only had rare opportunities to see his unique brand of personal storytelling and razor sharp wit, combined with his easy
going relaxed style, which have helped to make him into one of the most indemand and critically-acclaimed comedians around the world.
Bringing his hilarious autobiography ‘How Not To Grow Up’ to Latitude’s Comedy Arena, Richard Herring is a must see. Described by British Theatre Guide as “one of the leading hidden masters of modern comedy” he is most noted for his part in the double-act Lee and Herring and has also
collaborated with Andrew Collins on the radio comedy series Banter, on Collins’ 6Music show and the hugely popular Collings and Herrin Podcast. Festival go-ers will enjoy Herring’s brilliantly funny story of how a self-confessed perpetual Big Kid deals with his greatest fear – getting older – and is the perfect book for everyone who, deep down, still thinks that they’re 18…
Yorkshire funny man Tom Wrigglesworth shot to fame last year winning a plethora of awards including Chortle Best Show 2010 for his heroic show ‘Tom Wrigglesworth’s Open Letter To Richard Branson’ where he tried to rescue an old lady from the jaws of Virgin Train bureaucracy. Subsequently he tackles consumer affairs in his own truly comedic way with his Radio 4 series ‘Tom
Wrigglesworth’s Open Letters’. For Latitude, he brings his sell out show ‘Tom Wrigglesworth’s Nightmare Dream Wedding’ – a twisting, roller coaster of a story that’s both hilarious as it is heart warming. Make sure you watch one of the most original and talented comics on the UK and International circuit.
Hyperactive comic Rob Rouse hit the comic scene’s consciousness soon after winning the prestigious ‘So You Think You’re Funny’ Award. He also performed as part of the Big And Daft Trio with Ian Boldsworth and Jon Williams from 1997 to 2002. On a national level, he starred in the first series of BBC3 sitcom ‘Grownups’ and was a presenter of ‘The Friday Night Project’ on Channel 4.
He’s currently gearing up for a highly anticipated UK tour entitled ‘The Great Escape’, before he hits the festival circuit come July.
Resident compere at Komedia’s ‘Comic Boom!’ Seann Walsh is another impressive comic who has built his career up in a very short time. He has supported Stephen K. Amos on two nationwide tours, appeared on ‘Mock The Week’ and ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’ and has a score of
nominations and awards behind him including Chortle’s Best Newcomer Award 2009, Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2009 and was included in TV channel Dave’s Top 100 Stand-Ups to Catch in 2011. So, really, the best time to catch him, is at the Comedy Arena this summer.
Sheffield’s finest songwriter and Bontempi organ maestro John Shuttleworth brings his home-spun musical muses to the Comedy Arena this year. In his career, spanning over 20 years, he has produced a wealth of catchy, funny and banal songs dealing with everyday subject matter – going to Morrisons, Indian cuisine, and cleaning paintbrushes in the hilarious ‘Smells Like White
Spirit’; Shuttleworth is a national treasure.
Rising to fame after winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award for ‘Best Newcomer’ last year, the comic talent of Roisin Conaty is making waves on the comedy circuit. The County Kerry star delivers stories of social awkwardness and faux pars with a charming and self-effacing conversational
delivery. The geek, the weirdo, the klutz – her shame and embarrassment is both amiable and funny, making this new face a definite one to watch.
Rapper and stand-up comic Doc Brown is really starting to make a name for himself on the comedy circuit with his eloquent and personal rap style comedy. Younger brother of best-selling author Zadie Smith, a handle of the English language certainly runs through the family and his articulation and clever phrasing has seen him become a finalist in the ‘So You Think Your Funny’ new act competition and placed third in the English Comedian Of The Year Award 2009.
From humble beginnings in 2008 to FHM’s Stand Up Hero 2010, Josh Widdicombe has become hot property on the comedy circuit. He has supported arena giants like Michael McIntyre and Alan Carr, while out of the public eye, he’s written for Mock The Week and 8 Out Of 10 Cats. He has also
won Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, last year, and all of this in just three years. His constant touring of the country has seen his skill grow exponentially; meaning a performance at Latitude should see him at his best yet.
Brash and bold Nick Helm delivers witty one-liners and pun perfection with his own brand of anarchic stage presence. His high energy and powerful comedy turn is punctuated with stories, poems and hilarious songs for a unique performance. It’s a winning combination that has led him to be nominated for the Chortle Best Newcomer and Leicester Comedy Festival Best Show so far this year. Expect great things from this rising star.
Latitude favourites Idiot Of Ants – Andrew Spiers, Elliott Tiney, Benjamin Wilson and James Wrighton – bring their unique blend of fast-paced sketch comedy to the Cabaret Arena. Winners of the Chortle Award 2010 for Best Sketch or Character Act, the Idiots excel at intelligent wit and wonderfully timed observational comedy and are a definite highlight of the weekend’s cabaret programme. ‘Rock ‘n’ roll hysteria meets sharp and brilliant comedy, the Best Sketch group of 2009.’ Tim Arthur, Time Out.
“Sketch comedy doesn’t get much better than this” 4 Stars (The Scotsman). The comic genius of female troupe Lady Garden comes to Latitude with their formidable performance skills and hilarious sketches. Mocking the many facets of the female psyche, their satirical take on everyday occurrences and scenarios are bolstered by super acting and comic timing. Up and coming
stars in the making – catch them now before they hit the big time.
Winner of the ‘Nivea Funniest Woman Of The Year’ Award, Canadian comic and actress Katherine Ryan brings her charming comedy to Latitude’s Cabaret Arena. Dark subject matters delivered with sweet innocence and packed with attitude make this rising star a force to be reckoned with.
Latitude Festival takes place on Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th July 2011 at Henham Park Estate, Southwold, Suffolk.
The Emmy, BAFTA and Golden Globe award winning co-creator of The Office and Extras has announced dates for his first stand-up comedy tour – Stephen Merchant Live: Hello Ladies…
On Friday 4 March, tickets go on sale for shows throughout the UK, London and New York.
Globally known for his acclaimed collaborative work with partner Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant has at last decided to take his considerable stand-up talents on the road. It’s not widely known he started his career as a stand-up comedian and radio presenter – at XFM where he met Gervais. In 2001, Merchant in fact shared a stand-up bill in four-hander Rubbernecker, with Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Carr and Robin Ince at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Bristolian Merchant, along with Gervais and Karl Pilkington, features in the Guinness Book Of World Records for having the most downloaded internet show of all time, clocking up a staggering 280,000,000 downloads. Their conversations have subsequently been animated for HBO cartoon series The Ricky Gervais Show, the second series is currently airing on HBO and will go out on E4 in March.
Stephen Merchant’s latest show, An Idiot Abroad, is a live-action travelogue series starring Karl Pilkington. Merchant also appears in this hugely successful series, which became the highest rated Sky One show since 2008. A second series has just been commissioned.
Merchant’s film credits include: Tooth Fairy with Dwayne Johnson and cameos in Hot Fuzz and Run Fat Boy Run alongside Simon Pegg. He directed his first feature film Cemetery Junction with Ricky Gervais, which was released in 2010 and he also appears in the forthcoming Hall Pass with Owen Wilson, due for UK release on 11 March.
Stephen Merchant said: ‘Most people don’t realise that I was a stand-up comedian before I met Ricky Gervais and his coat-tails. Life can be lonely as a TV writer so this tour is a great opportunity for me to get out there and meet my fans. And make at least one of them my wife.’
Stephen Merchant UK Tour & New York Date:
06-Sept – Swindon Wyvern Theatre
07-Sept – Croydon Ashcroft Theatre
08-Sept – Dorking Halls
09-Sept – Dartford Orchard
10-Sept – Aylesbury Waterside
12-Sept – Hastings White Rock
13-Sept – Reading Hexagon
14-Sept – Southend Cliffs Pavilion
15-Sept – Southend Cliffs Pavilion
16-Sept – St Alban Arena
20-Sept – Margate Winter Gardens
21-Sept – Watford Colosseum
22-Sept – Guildhall New Theatre
23-Sept – Sheffield City Hall
24-Sept – Sheffield City Hall
25-Sept – Milton Keynes Theatre
28-Sept – Oxford New Theatre
29-Sept – Oxford New Theatre
4-Oct – Liverpool Empire
7-Oct – Glasgow Clyde
11-Oct – Newcastle City Hall
13-Oct – Edinburgh Playhouse
17-Oct – Birmingham Symphony Hall
18-Oct – Birmingham Symphony Hall
20-Oct –Bristol Colston Hall
21-Oct – Bristol Colston Hall
27-Oct – Manchester Apollo
28-Oct – Manchester Apollo
3-Nov – Plymouth Pavilion
5-Nov – Wolverhampton Civic Hall
7-Nov – Nottingham Royal Centre
8-Nov – Warwick Arts Centre
11-Nov – Cardiff St David’s
14-Nov – Leicester De Montfort Hall
17-Nov – Ipswich Regent
19-Nov – Brighton Centre
25-Nov – Bournemouth BIC
28-Nov – Hammersmith Apollo
29-Nov – Hammersmith Apollo
30-Nov – Hammersmith Apollo
1-Dec – Hammersmith Apollo
20-Dec – New York Town Hall
1st April 2011 looks set to be one of the biggest April Fools Day celebrations ever, as learning disability charity Mencap presents a riotous evening of stand-up comedy and sketches at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo. Hosted by Jo Brand, April Fools is one night, one stage and one great line up, featuring performances from Lee Mack, Harry Hill, Sean Lock, Miranda Hart, Stewart Francis and Lucy Porter with more acts to follow.
Tickets for this unique comic event are priced at just £40 and are available from Ticketmaster and all proceeds go to learning disability charity Mencap to support people with a learning disability, their family and carers. Don’t miss out on what is set to be one of the hottest tickets around!
April Fools is the show everyone will be talking about on April 2nd, so book early to avoid a night in with a cup of cocoa. For all the latest news, check out www.littlenoisesessions.org.uk.
Jo Brand began her illustrious career on the London cabaret circuit, under the guise of The Sea Monster, where she earned a cult following. Sussed, polemic, deceptively droll, with a razor-sharp perspective on all that is sexist and sizeist, Jo’s popularity is well deserved and is the perfect host for the April Fools show in aid of Mencap.
Jo Brand says,
“I am really pleased to be involved in the show at The Apollo. I have worked both with adults and children with a learning disability and found the work delightful, so it’s great to get a chance to contribute in a different way.”
Lee Mack is one of the UK’s most recognisable and celebrated comics. His relentless determination to have fun is marvellously infectious and leaves his audience exhausted by laughter. His energy, finely crafted one-liners, and quick ad-libs create an elusive star quality. Lee will inevitably deliver a performance worth the trip so make sure you don’t miss out!
Regarded as one of the finest practitioners of contemporary comedy, Harry Hill’s highly original style of humour has been rewarded with numerous awards, countless nominations and many accolades. After first coming to prominence on TV, Harry has since gone on to become one of comedy’s biggest TV faces.
Sean Lock is one of the UK’s most highly acclaimed and original comedians, making his stage debut over 15 years ago. His stand-up is the product of a hyperactive imagination combining hilariously surreal imagery and insightful observations on the human condition.
British Comedy Award winner Miranda Hart starred in her self-penned sitcom Miranda and is a figurehead in British comedy. She has hosted ‘Have I Got News For You’ and has popped up in Jack Dee’s Lead Balloon, French and Saunders and the Vicar of Dibley.
Miranda Hart says,
“I’m thrilled to be involved in such a huge comedy love-in for Mencap. Apparently Jo Brand and I are sharing a dressing room, she’s bringing sweet snacks, I’m bringing savoury. Oh, and it’s for a great and important cause too, not just the buffet.”
An internationally acclaimed stand-up comedian, accomplished actor and writer; Stewart Francis is one multi-talented performer. He has appeared on various TV shows including ‘Mock the Week’, ‘8 out of 10 Cats’ and ‘For One Night Only’.
Since 2001, Lucy Porter has been a huge hit with comedy audiences up and down the country with her distinctive, bouncy, feel-good comedy. Another familiar face Lucy has worked on hit shows such as ‘Outnumbered’, ‘Mock The Week’ and ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks’.
Lucy Porter says,
“I am delighted to be doing my bit for learning disability charity Mencap by taking part in their April Fools gig. Not to mention having a night out and a glass of wine. Note to self, I must book a babysitter for April 1st.”
About Mencap
There are 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. Mencap works to support people with a learning disability and their families and carers by fighting to change laws and improve services and access to education, employment and leisure facilities. Mencap supports thousands of people with a learning disability to live their lives the way they want.
We are also one of the largest service providers of services, information and advice for people with a learning disability across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. People with a learning disability and their carers can find out more about our services by calling Mencap Direct on 0300 333 111 or by visiting www.mencap.org.uk.
About learning disability
A learning disability is caused by the way the brain develops before, during or shortly after birth. It is always lifelong and affects someone’s intellectual and social development. It used to be called mental handicap but this term is outdated and offensive. Learning disability is NOT a mental illness.
The term learning difficulty is often incorrectly used interchangeably with learning disability.
April Fools in aid of Mencap, April 1st at Hammersmith Apollo, raising money for learning disability charity Mencap. Tickets on sale from Ticketmaster priced at £40 each.
